Genre

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Choral

 

Capilla Penaflorida Choir is a classical music ensemble based in San Sebastian, Spain. The choir was founded in 1966 by Jose Maria Beristain, a renowned musicologist and conductor, with the aim of promoting and preserving the rich musical heritage of the Basque Country. The choir takes its name from the Penaflorida Music Academy, a prestigious institution in San Sebastian that has been a center of musical education and performance since the 18th century. The academy was named after its founder, Juan de Penaflorida, a composer and musician who was a prominent figure in the Basque music scene of his time. The Capilla Penaflorida Choir has become one of the most respected and acclaimed choral ensembles in Spain and Europe, known for its impeccable musicianship, expressive interpretations, and innovative programming. The choir's repertoire spans from medieval and Renaissance music to contemporary works, with a particular focus on the music of the Basque Country and Spain. The choir's main members are a group of highly skilled and dedicated singers, many of whom have been with the ensemble for many years. The choir is led by its artistic director, Basilio Astulez, a renowned conductor and musicologist who has been with the ensemble since 1985. Astulez has been instrumental in shaping the choir's artistic vision and expanding its repertoire, and has led the ensemble to numerous international awards and accolades. Over the years, the Capilla Penaflorida Choir has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in Europe and beyond, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Salzburg Festival. The choir has also collaborated with many leading orchestras and conductors, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Sir Simon Rattle. One of the highlights of the choir's career was its performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, where it was chosen to represent the cultural heritage of the Basque Country. The choir's performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional power, and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble on the international stage. The Capilla Penaflorida Choir has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Music Prize of Spain in 1999, the Basque Country Prize for Culture in 2003, and the Gold Medal of the City of San Sebastian in 2016. The choir has also been recognized for its contributions to the preservation and promotion of Basque music and culture, and has been awarded the Euskadi Prize for Culture in 2010. In addition to its concert performances, the Capilla Penaflorida Choir has also recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to its name. The choir's recordings have been widely praised for their technical excellence and artistic sensitivity, and have won numerous awards and nominations, including several Gramophone Awards. Overall, the Capilla Penaflorida Choir is a testament to the power and beauty of choral music, and to the rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country and Spain. Through its performances, recordings, and educational activities, the choir has helped to inspire and enrich the lives of countless music lovers around the world, and has established itself as one of the most important and influential choral ensembles of our time.

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